Welcome to Flash Focus! In this series, we introduce you to fascinating student Flashes from all walks of life.
Meet Adriana Hines, a senior criminology and justice studies major with a concentration in justice and human relations, from Washington, D.C.
鈥淚 chose my concentration because at the time I was interested in victim advocacy, and I liked the flexibility that it gave me to pick classes with a variety of topics,鈥 Hines told 天天吃瓜 State Today.
The topic of law and criminal justice stuck out to Hines from a young age as she participated in mock trials during high school.
Focusing on important civic issues, she is a Community Action Fellow for Community Engaged Learning.
鈥淲orking with groups like Flashes Fighting Hunger, I get the unique opportunity to design events and initiatives to cater to students and the community about food security and other issues connected to it such as homelessness and financial disparities,鈥 Hines said.
Having served in Undergraduate Student Government, Hines enjoyed being able to solve problems across campus that will impact future students.
A particularly memorable experience during her time at 天天吃瓜 State was visiting Amsterdam on an education-abroad trip. Hines was fascinated by the differences in policies between the Netherlands and America.
鈥淲hile on the trip we went to the Anne Frank House, The Hague and the International Criminal Court,鈥 Hines said. 鈥淚t was an amazing trip. I learned so much about law and policy from a new perspective.鈥
One of the hobbies Hines enjoys as a break from her busy life is photography, which was essential during her travels.
鈥淚t鈥檚 rewarding to be able to capture moments and look back on them fondly,鈥 she said.
Not only did she develop herself through travel, but Hines also developed herself as a leader as well.
Hines won the Purposeful Leader award during the 2023 Student Leadership awards program. This award is presented to a student who has demonstrated a strong sense of personal awareness.
Hines said her success could be attributed to the support of Amanda Paulus, senior director of Community Engaged Learning.
鈥淪he cares about me as a person and not just as a student or a leader. I probably wouldn鈥檛 have finished my time at 天天吃瓜 State without her support,鈥 Hines said.
Are you a student interested in being featured in Flash Focus, or know a student who would make a great candidate? Send suggestions with name and contact information to kentstatetoday@kent.edu.